Jaguars at Titans Pick
Vince Young will get an opportunity to start under center for the first time this year when the Tennessee Titans host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
The Jaguars had their bye last week, but defeated the Rams 23-20 in overtime in Week 6. Although Jacksonville failed to cover the spread as 9.5-point favorites, Maurice Jones-Drew rushed for 133 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries, while Mike Sims-Walker caught nine passes for 120 yards.
The Titans also had a bye last week, which was sorely needed after they were stomped 59-0 by the Patriots in Week 6. Kerry Collins threw for negative-seven yards with an interception in the loss, while Chris Johnson rushed for 128 yards on 17 carries. Tennessee failed to cover as 9.5-point underdogs.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com have made the Titans 3-point home favorites over the Jaguars in Week 8. The over/under total for this game has been set at 45 points.
Jeff Fisher hopes that Young will help spark a lifeless Tennessee offense. But while he provides the Titans with more athleticism, Young certainly isn’t the answer in solving all of Tennessee’s woes.
The Jaguars are far from perfect, but they’ve been competitive this year outside of a 41-0 loss in Seattle. They also beat the Titans 37-17 in Jacksonville in Week 4, so they’ve proven that they can score on this team.
The point spread seems a little off and usually that means to fade the public, which no doubt likes the 3-3 Jags over the winless Titans. But don’t over think this one – Tennessee is that bad and probably won’t get too much of a lift from Young. We like the Jags to win outright and therefore cover the 3-point spread as underdogs.
Our NFL Week 8 Free Pick for this matchup is: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS +3 and UNDER 45.
Jaguars at Titans Current Odds
225 Jacksonville Jaguars +3 Over 45
226 Tennessee Titans –3 Under 45
Jacksonville is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Jacksonville is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Tennessee is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Jacksonville
Tennessee is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Jacksonville
Jacksonville Jaguars
Rashean Mathis CB Out Week 8 (finger)
Brian Witherspoon CB Out Week 8 (hamstring)
Maurice Williams G Questionable Week 8 (knee)
Vincent Manuwai G Probable Week 8 (wrist)
Tennessee Titans
Mark Jones WR Out Week 8 (hamstring)
Nicholas Harper CB Doubtful Week 8 (forearm)
Mike Otto T Doubtful Week 8 (knee)
Javon Ringer RB Doubtful Week 8 (back)
Cortland Finnegan CB Questionable Week 8 (hamstring)
Nate Washington WR Probable Week 8 (quadricep)
Posted: 11/1/09 2:35PM ET